Lethal Means Safety Counseling: Challenges and Consideration for Patients with PTSD

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Lethal Means Safety Counseling: Challenges and Considerations for Patients With PTSD

Joseph Simonetti, MD, MPH and Ian Stanley, PhD

Wednesday, February 15 at 2:00pm ET

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About the Topic

Access to firearms is an important and well recognized risk factor for suicide. Clinical guidelines on the care of those at risk for suicide include recommendations that clinicians work with at-risk individuals to encourage that they limit their access to firearms and other lethal methods of suicide during risk periods. However, individuals with PTSD experience specific symptoms that may both increase their likelihood of firearm access and non-secure firearm storage practices that place them at higher risk for suicide. PTSD-related symptoms may also hinder the efficacy of clinical interventions aimed at promoting firearm risk reduction. This talk will cover key considerations for clinicians on counseling Veterans with PTSD regarding firearms.

About the Presenters

JOSEPH SIMONETTI, MD MPH is a clinician investigator with the VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention and Director of Mentorship and Education for the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. His research focuses on developing patient-centered firearm safety interventions for individuals at risk of suicide. As an educator, he works locally and nationally to support VA and community-based clinicians in delivering evidence-based and culturally competent firearm injury prevention interventions. Dr. Simonetti earned his MD from the Ohio State University and completed his training in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

IAN H. STANLEY, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Psychological Health Lead for the CU Anschutz Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield (COMBAT) Research. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Stanley’s research centers on the prevention of suicide and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among Service Members/combat medics, civilian first responders, and individuals who have sustained acute physical injuries. He has additional expertise in the development of clinical and public health approaches to reduce the risk of firearm suicide and other firearm-related injuries. His research has received funding from the US Department of Defense, Military Suicide Research Consortium, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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Featured Article

The Relationship Between PTSD and Suicide

Considerable debate exists about the reason for the heightened risk of suicide in trauma survivors. Whereas some studies suggest that suicide risk is higher among those who experienced trauma due to the symptoms of PTSD, others claim that suicide risk is higher in these individuals because of related psychiatric conditions.

Read the full version of this article

Free Resources

Community Providers: Free Training on Assessment of PTSD and Suicide Risk

A free online 2--day training for mental health providers who treat Veterans. Continuing education credit is available at no cost.

WHO?

Licensed mental health providers treating U.S. Veterans may apply. VA and other federal providers are not eligible and may contact us about other training opportunities.

WHAT?

Comprehensive training in the assessment of PTSD and suicide risk. Assessment tools will be provided. Topics include: • Military culture • How to assess and diagnose PTSD • Essential treatment recommendations • How to identify and assess suicide risk • Lethal means safety • Safety planning

WHEN?

Three options are available in 2023:

(all sessions are 10:00am-6:30pm ET)

February 27-28 (Monday & Tuesday)
May 3-4 (Wednesday & Thursday)
July 19-20 (Wednesday & Thursday)

FACULTY

A team of expert clinicians from VA’s PTSD and Suicide Risk Management Consultation Programs will provide the training with the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP).

APPLY ONLINE

To be considered for this training, please visit CDP's website and follow the link to complete the online application for your preferred dates. Applications are reviewed weekly.

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What to Expect in the Wake of Mass Violence | en Español

Mass violence events can cause a range of reactions in direct victims, emergency personnel, as well as in the public at large. Read more about what can help.

Additional Resources

Provider Guide to Addressing Patient Reactions to Race-Based Violence During PTSD Treatment

This guide is intended to help guide providers' case formulation and treatment decision-making processes when trying to balance ongoing treatment for PTSD that incorporates therapeutic attention to emerging patient needs during race-based crises versus deciding when it is clinically wise to diverge and offer non-protocol, supplemental interventions. This guidance is intended to be applicable to all patients with PTSD addressing consideration of the full spectrum of patients' prior experiences, perspectives and needs.

Read the free guide online

Are you treating U.S. Veterans?

Are you treating veterans? We can help. PTSD Consultation Program

Our team of expert clinicians is available to consult with any healthcare provider treating U.S. veterans in any setting.

We can discuss assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, medications, collaborating with VA care, patient and family education, continuing education, and just about anything else related to veterans and PTSD.

No question is too big or too small.

www.ptsd.va.gov/consult

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